Most therapists believe they are above average,
but the reality is that we all struggle with difficult cases and confusing clinical presentations.
We can teach you how to work with a wider range of patients, more effectively, and with more confidence.
Courses & Events
Becoming a More Effective Therapist: Intro to Control Mastery Theory
Friday, September 19th, 2025
9:00am - 12:00pm (PST)
Over the past several decades, SFPRG has developed an empirically derived method of case formulation – the Plan Formulation Method (PFM).
In this course, you will learn the fundamentals of The Plan-Formulation Method, also known as Control-Mastery Case Formulation, and begin applying it immediately to your cases. You'll learn how to integrate the PFM into your existing manner of working and strengthen the work you're already doing.
Seeking Safety Through Danger: What Horror Movies Teach Us
Friday, October 17th, 2025
9:00am - 12:00pm (PST)
This interactive workshop explores how horror films depict trauma through the lens of Control-Mastery theory, thematic analysis, and group discussion. Participants will examine how these narratives can inform clinical insight, case conceptualization, and therapeutic metaphors.
Mastering the Art and Science of Psychotherapy (MASP)
Mondays, October 27th, 2025 through April 27th, 2026
12:00pm - 1:30pm (PST)
This 24-week, intensive class focuses on the fundamentals of CMT, how to apply it clinically, and how to develop effective case formulations for what your patients need to optimize therapeutic responsiveness. The class features multiple instructors with clinical and research experience in CMT and includes ongoing case conferences that promise to be clinically enriching and enjoyable.
Ongoing Case Conferences
Tuesday Conference
Tuesdays, 11:30am - 12:45pm (PST)
Weekly case conference free for SFPRG members, lead by George Silberschatz and John Curtis. Practice applying CMT principles to cases and refining treatment by attitude.
Thursday Conference
Thursdays, 11:30am - 12:45pm (PST)
The group offers peer consultation focused on understanding the principles of Control-Mastery Theory, using members' presentations of clinical material to illustrate and apply CMT understanding.
Interested participants who are members of SFPRG and who anticipate regular attendance can contact me at david.kealy@ubc.ca
Past Offerings
Therapy with Scapegoat Survivors of Narcissistic Parents
Friday, August 8th, 2025
9am - 12:00pm (PST)
Learn how to help adult scapegoat survivors of narcissistic parents heal deeply and effectively using Control-Mastery Theory. This training offers a clear roadmap for identifying core trauma-based beliefs and safely disconfirming them through the therapeutic relationship. If you work with survivors of childhood narcissistic abuse, this presentation will give you the tools to do transformative, targeted work that creates lasting change.
The 37th Annual March Workshop:
What Does your Patient (Really) Need? How to be the Best Therapist for Each Patient
Thursday, March 6th - Saturday, March 8th, 2025
Thurs/Fri: 9am - 12:50pm (PST) (Zoom)
Sat: 9am - 4:30pm (Zoom or In Person)
The most important guide for doing tailoring treatment is the patient themselves. Patients often try to help their therapists help them more effectively. This 3-day conference focuses on approaches from several perspectives on how to understand patient problems and needs to personalize treatment.
Plan Formulation Bootcamp: Level Up Your Formulation Skills
Friday, February 14th, 2025
9am - 12:00pm (PST)
We're excited to offer a formulation practice session with participants’ real cases. We'll quickly review the basics of CMT formulation and then spend the remainder of the session in a case conference formulating from real case material. Participants will get opportunities to level-up their CMT formulation skills and leave with a greater sense of confidence and clarity about how to approach their cases from a CMT perspective.